What does the Big East have to do so that it is mentioned with the other five "power" conferences? Last season, the Big East sent the highest percentage of any conference to the NCAA Tournament (7 of 10 teams) and even a 11-seed without its starting point guard was able to make it to the Elite Eight (Xavier). The conference now boasts two Dream Teamers as coaches (Chris Mullin, Patrick Ewing). Perhaps it is Villanova's domination since its reformation as a basketball-only conference that causes people to poo-poo the 10-team league. In 2017-18, the Wildcat run at the top should be challenged by Seton Hall and Xavier, both of whom return most of the significant players from last year's quality squads.

Top Three Players

Angel Delgado (F) Delgado has been named as a "top three player" in this space for the last three years. Even if he hadn't taken a big step forward in production as a junior, the 6-foot-10 postman might have made the list because of his ability to rebound. Delgado did not see a significant dip in field goal percentage even with a nice jump in shot attempts. He averaged 15.2 points and 13.1 rebounds. The native of the Dominican Republic also doubled his previous assist average with 2.2 dimes. Unless Delgado further improves his shooting range, he might not be able to improve upon last year's stats. If the Pirates can win the Big East, Delgado could be the conference's Player of the Year.